The Ghost of 2013: Kylian Mbappé on the Verge of Real Madrid Immortality
For over a decade, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2013 calendar year was considered an untouchable monolith in the history of Real Madrid. Fifty-nine goals in a single year for one club—a figure so staggering it felt like a glitch in the simulation.
But as we approach the final sunset of 2025, that "unbreakable" record is officially under siege.
Following a clinical brace in Wednesday’s 3-2 Copa del Rey victory over Talavera, Kylian Mbappé has moved to 58 goals for Real Madrid in 2025. He is now exactly one goal away from equalizing Ronaldo’s legendary mark, and two away from standing alone at the summit.
The Road to 58
Mbappé’s 2025 has been nothing short of a redemption arc written in gold. After a relatively "quiet" start to his life in Madrid in late 2024, the Frenchman shifted into a gear few thought possible.
The First Half (Jan–June): Mbappé dismantled defenses across Europe and Spain, netting 30 goals to help secure silverware in the early part of the year.
The Resurgence (Aug–Dec): Under the tactical guidance of Xabi Alonso, Mbappé has become even more efficient. He arrived at the mid-December mark with 56 club goals, then added two more in the high-stakes environment of the Copa del Rey this week.
While his total for club and country has already surpassed the 60-goal mark (making him the first Frenchman since Just Fontaine to hit such heights), it is the Real Madrid scoring record that carries the most weight in the halls of the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mbappé vs. Ronaldo 2013: The Comparison
To understand the magnitude of this feat, look at what Mbappé is chasing. In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo was at the absolute peak of his "power-forward" era, scoring 59 goals for Los Blancos across La Liga (38), the Champions League (15), and the Copa del Rey (6).
Mbappé has mirrored that consistency. Whether it’s his lightning-fast transition goals or his newly sharpened predatory instinct in the box, he has filled the scoring void left by the "BBC" era and then some.One Final Chance: December 20 vs. Sevilla The stage is set for a historic Saturday night. On December 20, 2025, Real Madrid hosts Sevilla at the Bernabéu for their final match of the calendar year.
The narrative couldn’t be more perfect:
Score 1 goal: Equalize Cristiano Ronaldo (59).
Score 2 goals: Become the first player in Real Madrid history to hit 60 goals in a calendar year.
For Mbappé, this isn’t just about a statistic. It’s about the symbolic passing of the torch. For years, he was heralded as the heir to the throne; on Saturday, he has the chance to take the crown and rewrite the record books in his own image.
Prediction: Given his current form and the atmosphere expected at the Bernabéu, don’t be surprised if the "60" milestone is shattered before the halftime whistle.
What do you think? Will Mbappé break the record on Saturday, or will the weight of Ronaldo’s legacy hold firm? Let us know in the comments!